Man Shot, Trooper Hurt On I-88

A man from Ohio was shot and killed by an Illinois Conservation Police officer this morning along I-88 near Rock Falls.

Credit Google Maps

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, one of their officers “conducted a motorist assist” for a man from Ohio around 10:44 in Whiteside County. After that, the driver called 911: police say he made statements that prompted them to check on his well-being. An Illinois State Trooper and the Conservation officer pulled the minivan driver over along I-88, eastbound near the highway 30 exit.

At that point, police say the driver made an abrupt U-turn and struck the State Trooper, pinning him against his squad car. When the driver continued to accelerate, the conservation officer shot him to stop further injury to the trooper. The driver, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both officers were injured: they were treated and released from a local hospital. They have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which has been turned over to the State Police.